Views of Science and Mathematics Pre-service Teachers Regarding STEM

Abstract

STEM education is an integrated approach that combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines with different subjects in real life situations, together and simultaneously. The views of pre-service teachers introduced to STEM by means of workshops that presented information and scales on STEM education regarding the subject were collected in this study. The participants of the study were the senior class students at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Education, Department of Primary Education, Physical Sciences (37 members) and Mathematics Education (20 members).A survey with open-ended questions was used to collect data. A descriptive content analysis was performed and the data were summarized in the tables. The results showed that the pre-service teachers have more positive views about the STEM approach, and there is not a significant difference between the views of science and mathematics teachers. Also, they reported positive views about making such applications in their future classes.

Challenges in Implementing STEM Education and Role of Teacher Education Programs in Mitigating these Challenges

“…These programs also help pre-service teachers to develop a sense of collaboration among colleagues (Ryu et al, 2019). Through getting STEM focused pre-service teacher education trainings the future teachers may enhance their students' spatial and psychomotor skills as well as their interest towards learning integrated STEM courses (Cinar et al, 2016). A sound teacher education program also makes future teachers able to engage students in STEM related projects and problem-based learning activities (Shernoff et al, 2017).…”

“…STEM Education refers to an interdisciplinary instructive exercise from instructions to evaluation at all levels of education (Gonzalez & Kuenzi, 2012).According to Cinar et al (2016), STEM instruction is an incorporated methodology that consolidates science, innovation, designing and mathematics discipline subjects together and at the same time. The focus of STEM is not on remembering the facts related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but is to give students experiences of exploring, inquiring, discovering, innovating, and problem solving in above disciplines (Asghar et al, 2012).…”

“…For data collection a questionnaire was adapted from the study of Cinar et al (2016) with permission. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: part 1 had questions related to expected challenges of implementing STEM education in Baluchistan while the part 2 had questions related to role of teacher education program in mitigating these challenges.…”

The Effects of Biology Laboratory Practices Supported with Self-regulated Learning Strategies on Students' Self-directed Learning Readiness and Their Attitudes towards Science Experiments

“…Towards the end of the 20st century, all developed, developing and underdeveloped countries were in search of finding different and effective ways to prepare their citizens for the life in the 21st century by training their citizens and obtain success in education at both international and local levels (Tutkun & Aksoyalp, 2010). Because in this century the industry, areas such as technology and medicine are developing faster than ever and individuals can keep up with these developments to be educated with 21st century skills (Cinar, Pirasa, and Sadoglu, 2016). Some of the 21st century skills that Binkley et al (2012) describes are as follows.…”

Examining Students’ Opinions about STEAM Activities

“…There is more recent literature on STEM (e.g., Akaygun & Aslan Tutak, 2016;Avery, 2009;Ayar, 2015;Banning & Folestad, 2012;Baran et al, 2016;Bash, 2015;Beard Turner, 2013;Bingolbali, Monaghan & Roper, 2007;Carter, 2013;Ceylan, 2014;Cinar, Pirasa & Sadoglu, 2016;Çorlu, 2012;Dewaters, 2006;Erdoğan, Çorlu & Capraro, 2013;Fadzil & Saat, 2014;Han, 2016;Sümen & Çalışıcı, 2016). Some of these studies are about STEAM education (e.g., Jeong & Kim, 2015;Kim & Park, 2012;Yakman & Lee, 2012).…”